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Lea Salonga, the original singing voice of the titular character in Disney’s “Mulan,” shared her thoughts about talks that the upcoming live-action remake of the classic film would not feature any songs at all.
In response to quizzical fans, the seasoned Filipino actress and coach of “The Voice” said that she found a song-free version of the Chinese legend “cool” and interesting.
“The original legend of Mulan existed for over 1,000 years without the music. The new film will stand proud and tall without the songs,” she tweeted on Tuesday. “So what do I think about the live-action Mulan not having the songs? I think it’s pretty cool. Let the film be a different thing altogether!”
The original legend of Mulan existed for over 1,000 years without the music. The new film will stand proud and tall without the songs.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) March 20, 2017
So what do I think about the live-action Mulan not having the songs? I think it's pretty cool! Let the film be a different thing altogether!
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) March 20, 2017
A “Mulan” remake minus the tracks “Reflection” and “Make a Man Out of You” would be reasonable for Salonga, as long as Asian talents would star in it.
“I ask for two things from the live-action Mulan: one, an Asian actress that’d be believable as a boy or a man, and a hunky Shang,” Salonga tweeted, adding that Chinese-American actress Ming-Na Wen, who voiced Mulan in the animated film, would be the story’s ideal matchmaker.
READ: Disney’s ‘Mulan’ eyes 2018 release
“But I would like na it’s not identical to the animated one. Kailangang iba (It should be different). And please, sexy Asian men! There are tons,” she chattered.
With a song-less “Mulan,” the 2015 live-action film of “Cinderella,” which featured no songs, comes to mind. “This may just be a great decision. If the live action Cinderella is any indication, we’re in for a really cool ride,” Salonga added.
Salonga also suggested that “Mulan” scriptwriters pick concepts from “Yentl,” a 1983 musical drama flick starring Barbara Streisand. She expounded, “Take a cue or two from Yentl, where the music was organically intertwined with everything. That might be another idea to explore.”
@analette I'd wait and see. If there are going to be songs, they have to come from an organic place. And hire kickass triple threats.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) March 20, 2017
@analette And Ming-Na as the matchmaker. She's such a badass.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) March 20, 2017
I ask for two things from the live-action Mulan: one, an Asian actress that'd be believable as a boy or a man, and a hunky Shang.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) March 20, 2017
Hang on. This may just be a great decision. If the live action Cinderella is any indication, we're in for a really cool ride. https://t.co/UQRal5dIEp
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) March 20, 2017
Or… take a cue or two from Yentl, where the music was organically intertwined with everything. That might be another idea to explore.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) March 20, 2017
@analette But I would like na it's not identical to the animated one. Kelangang iba. And please, sexy Asian men!!! Please!!! There's tons!!!
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) March 20, 2017
Much to the dismay of Disney fans, Mulan director Niki Caro admitted that they had to prohibit songs in the film, which will hit the big screens on Nov. 2, 2018, in the US.
“Yes, from what I understand, no songs right now, much to the horror of my children,” she told Moviefone. Gianna Francesca Catolico /ra